After throwing a 155mph ripper against Sri Lanka in the inaugural T20I earlier this year, the pressure to break Pakistani legend Shoaib Akhtar’s record fell on Umran. Akhtar holds the bowling record for the fastest delivery in world cricket. He threw a 161mph delivery to England fly-half Nick Knight during the 2003 World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.
But many people think that raw rhythm is not enough. Most hitters these days gear up in the nets to make deliveries at over 150 mph with ease. Many experts believe that Umran needs to learn the many nuances of fast bowling, while continuing to hone his natural fast bowling talent.
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Ancient Australia Star pacer Brett Lee says Umran is a “special talent” and needs to be handled properly.
“Umran Malik is a wonderful bowler. He is a special talent. If his workload is taken care of properly, he will do wonders,” Lee said. TimesofIndia.com.
“I believe he (Umran) can play all three formats of the game. We have to handle it properly,” added Lee.
Lee, who played 76 Tests, 221 ODIs and 25 T20Is for Australia between 1999 and 2008, also spoke about how best to handle a talent like Umran.
(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
“The best way to manage him properly is to allow him to bowl, give him as many games as possible, not rest him every other game. Don’t let him go to the gym more often and lift heavy weights He should build light muscle mass in the gym, which is important for him. He should work on his sprinting and obviously his core strengthening,” Lee added. TimesofIndia.com.
WTC FINAL AND THE CURRENT FORM OF VIRAT
India qualified for the World Trials Championship (WTC) The final will take place in June at The Oval. They will face Australia in the WTC Finals. This will be India’s second consecutive appearance in the final. They had lost to New Zealand in the final of the 2019-21 cycle.
“I would love to see Australia go on and win the WTC title,” Lee said.
Lee also praised Virat Kohli and his incredible run with the bat. Virat recently landed his 75th international ton – in the fourth and final Test against Australia.
He is currently second overall after beating batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar who sits atop the heap with 100 international tons.
“It was great to see Virat mark a century after 1200 (plus) days. One thing about legends and guys who are at the top of their game – it’s very hard to hold them back. I congratulate Virat on this century. I know it took him a while to get (the next) hundred test, but I commend him for staying there. It’s really great to see him again,” signed Lee.
